This past weekend has been a very busy but successful one for SLPS! Things kicked off on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7pm with the Utah Pride Interfaith Coalition’s Interfaith service at Wasatch Presbyterian church. SLPS adviser April love read the “Who is Pagan” remark, quoting the Charge of the Star Goddess by Ann Moura and President Muad’Dib gave a five minute discussion that all people are deserving of unconditional love, all are divine, and that everyone can have a one-on-one with the divine. The Salt Lake Men’s Choir sang and faith leaders from Native American, Pagan, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Metaphysical, Tibetan and Zen Buddhist and Christian faiths were present, with the pews full to the brim. Many hearts were full as Moudi Sbeity spoke about the Marriage fight in Utah as it began with him and two other couples who sued the state for equal rights.

Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 2pm was an interfaith rally that joined with the Dyke and Trans rallys and marches down from 200 S and 200 E to the festival at Washington Square at the Salt Lake City and County Building. 3pm brought the start of readings for $5. Lei Loni Tilley and Janelle Baguley joined SLPS in full mermaid attire. Lei Loni read the cards at the booth entrance, drawing in all the mermaid/mermen to be! The close of the day came at 9pm when the sun set and SLPS headed off to have a late dinner of Pakistani food at Zaika on State street.

Sunday, June 8, 2014 was the Pride parade at 10am. Lined up at 400 S and 400 E in the back with the interfaith, SLPS marched in robes and pointy hats, with The Mermaids of the Great Salt Lake. President Muad’Dib sported a new custom rainbow outfit made by Woman Between the Wolves. The parade finished around 12pm and the readings continued, picking up an even greater pace of people the second day till the festival closed at 7pm.

The festival was very successful for SLPS, making back the booth fee and having enough to spend on a celebratory dinner at the Rio Grande Cafe and give some back to the tarot readers. Here is to next year’s pride!

The beginning of June brings the annual Utah Pride Festival, hosted by the Utah Pride Center. The festival this year, 2014, runs from June 5-8, at Washington Square at the Salt Lake City Building on 400 S and 200 E. SLPS will be participating in the festivities, starting with the Utah Pride Interfaith Coalition’s Interfaith Service on June 5. An interfaith rally at 2pm on June 7 will meet at the First United Methodist Church on 200 S 200 E and join with the Trans and Dyke Marches before going to the festival gates. June 7-8, SLPS will be offering $5 tarot readings at the booth inside the festival. And Sunday, June 8 SLPS will be marching in the Parade at 9am. Join us for any of the events, come get spiritual at the interfaith, or receive a tarot reading!